Pakistan has admitted its vulnerability amid a deepening fuel crisis, stating it does not have strategic oil reserves like India. Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik said the country relies only on limited commercial stocks, leaving it exposed to global oil shocks as crude prices surged to $126 per barrel amid Middle East tensions.
He highlighted that Pakistan has only a few days of fuel reserves compared to India's significantly larger buffer supported by strategic storage systems. The remarks come as fuel prices spike, triggering public anger and economic pressure in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, India has managed relative stability through strategic reserves and fiscal measures, even as global supply chains remain under strain. India's strategic petroleum reserves, located at three underground storage facilities, provide a cushion of about 9.5 days of crude oil requirements, supplemented by additional commercial stocks.
Analysts note that India's proactive energy security policy, including diversification of import sources and investment in renewable energy, has helped mitigate the impact of global price volatility. In contrast, Pakistan's heavy reliance on imported oil and lack of storage infrastructure has exacerbated its crisis.
The situation has sparked widespread protests in Pakistan, with citizens demanding government action to control rising fuel costs. The government is reportedly considering emergency measures, including rationing and price caps, but experts warn that long-term solutions require investment in strategic reserves and energy diversification.
This development underscores the growing energy security divide between South Asian neighbors, as India continues to strengthen its energy infrastructure while Pakistan struggles to meet basic demand.
